Consistent Snoring in Toddlers Linked to Bad Behavior

8/13/2012For Release: August 13, 2012

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​​​​​​​​​Besides
being an annoyance to anyone in earshot, loud, persistent snoring is
also linked to cognitive and behavioral problems in preschool-aged
children. According to the study, “Persistent Snoring in Preschool Children: Predictors and Behavioral and Developmental Correlates,”
appearing in the September 2012 Pediatrics (published online August 13),
study authors tracked 249 children aged 2-to 3-years of age who were
reported by their mothers to be loud, persistent snorers. Study authors
conclude that while many preschool children snore for brief periods
(e.g., when they have a cold), loud snoring that lasts for months or
years, is abnormal, and signals a sleep problem that could affect a
child’s behavior during the day. These problems can include
hyperactivity, inattention or depression. Motor development did not seem
to be affected. The authors suggest that parents should tell the
pediatrician if their child snores a lot, especially if it has been
going on for a long time. There are treatments for sleep-related
breathing problems. Study authors also agree that these findings offer
more support for new mothers to initiate and stick with breastfeeding.
Breastfeeding, especially for longer periods during infancy, seemed to
protect against later snoring.

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The American Academy of Pediatrics is
an organization of 60,000 primary care pediatricians, pediatric medical
subspecialists and pediatric surgical specialists dedicated to the
health, safety and well-being of infants, children, adolescents and
young adults. For more information, visit www.aap.org.